referendum

noun

ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm 

plural referenda ˌre-fə-ˈren-də  or referendums

1

a

: the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative

b

: a vote on a measure so submitted

2

: a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions

Did you know?

Referendum is a Latin word, but its modern meaning only dates from the 19th century, when a new constitution adopted by Switzerland stated that the voters could vote directly on certain issues. Thus, a referendum is a measure that's referred (that is, sent on) to the people. Since the U.S. Constitution doesn't provide for referenda (notice the common plural form) at the national level, referenda tend to be on local and state issues. In most locales, a few questions usually appear on the ballot at election time, often involving such issues as new zoning ordinances, new taxes for schools, and new limits on spending.

Examples of referendum in a Sentence

The issue was decided by referendum.

Recent Examples on the Web

Under state law, the referendum only lasts for four years unless it’s renewed, so in 2022, the school district went back out to the voters, this time asking the tax be doubled to $100 per $100,000 of assessed property. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

Gunn was aware that this film would be viewed as a referendum on the future of DC itself. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026

The Sixteen Thirty Fund spent roughly $79 million on 33 different state referendums between 2017 and 2023, according to Ballotpedia, a nonprofit election information resource. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026

Zelenskyy has rejected any territorial concessions and instead proposed a demilitarized zone, to be confirmed by a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

referendum

noun

ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌref-ə-ˈren-dəm 

plural referenda -də  or referendums

: the idea or practice of letting voters approve or disapprove laws or suggested laws

also : such a vote

Legal Definition

referendum

noun

ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌrə-fə-ˈren-dəm 

plural referenda -də  or referendums

: the submission to popular vote of a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative

also : the popular vote on a measure so submitted

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer